Where storm winds hit the cliffs,
Herring gulls could only drift
With the current
Downwind.
Ravens chose walking
Rather than fight the gale.
Even I fought to stand
Against the force.
When I could not be moved,
Other tricks were employed:
Salt spray stained my glasses;
A gust plucked the handkerchief
From my pocket
Sailing it up-cliff
To rest among the blackberry brambles.
Waves sent crashing over the sea wall
Flood the road.
Foolish drivers continued on
Unheeding the warnings of the sea.
White caps
White foam
White surf --
Too angry to be good.
Occasionally
Large logs leapt
From the boiling
Surf seeking safety on the street.
And still through it
Dazed drivers drove.